E-Cigarette Use Doubles Among CT HS Students: Survey

HARTFORD, CT — A recent survey from the State Department of Public Health found that the rate of high school students using electronic cigarettes has doubled over the past two years.

The survey taken in 2017 found that 14.7 percent of students reported using electronic nicotine delivering products compared to 7.2 percent in 2015. The survey found one in 10 9th graders and one in five 12th graders use such products.

Fruit was among the most popular flavor. More than half of those who said they use electronic cigarettes said they used it for other substances such as marijuana, hash oil or THC wax.

“These results are especially troubling because youth are generally unaware of the presence and level of nicotine in their devices and can become addicted with only a few puffs,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino. “Although the cigarette smoking rate continues to decline among this age group, vaping continues to increase."

Popular brand Juul pods contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. Many teens reported using a pod a day.

Teachers have reported seeing students vape in classrooms. The small devices are easily concealed.

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